Police in Pontypool will raise awareness of domestic abuse and offer advice to revelers during the Six Nations rugby tournament.
Officers will join forces with Torfaen Women’s Aid in promoting the White Ribbon Campaign outside the John Capel Hanbury pub in Pontypool town centre on every Friday and Saturday evening during Six Nations weekends.
One of Gwent Police’s new mobile police stations will provide a base for police officers and PCSOs carrying out the activity.
In November, Pontypool Neighbourhood Policing Team worked closely with Pontypool RFC and Torfaen Women’s Aid to launch the White Ribbon Cup, a new trophy to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Sergeant Clive Elliot, who organised the campaign evenings, said: “Rugby matches do not in themselves cause people to become violent, but alcohol is a contributory factor in almost half of all domestic abuse cases.
“A lot of these incidents happen during the evening or in the early hours, when alcohol has been consumed, and we hope these engagement opportunities will deter any potential offenders while encouraging victims to come forward.”
Jemma Wray, director of Torfaen Women’s Aid, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Gwent Police on this initiative and we really value their efforts in raising awareness of this issue.
“The White Ribbon Campaign is specifically aimed at getting men to stand up against domestic abuse of all forms.”
Anyone who wants to report domestic abuse should call Gwent Police on 101, or the Wales Domestic Abuse Hotline on 0808 8010 800.
